The number of initiatives recorded is continuously updated and has grown by more than 30% over the past year, from 56 to more than 75. These initiatives now span 36 countries and four regional intergovernmental organizations, marking a 38% increase from last year of 29.

Launched in Addis Ababa in 2024 during the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the Global Repository of National Safety Mechanisms for Journalists is an online platform gathering information on national responses addressing the safety of journalists and aimed at preventing, protecting and prosecuting crimes committed against them. This initiative is part of the implementation of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, coordinated by UNESCO.

UNESCO launched this platform based on information provided by its partners on the safety of journalists, country responses to the Director-General’s biannual requests for information on the judicial status of cases of killed journalists, and UNESCO Field Offices.

The mechanisms included in the Repository are initiatives ranging from targeted national mechanisms, regional monitoring systems and to multi-year action plans. They bring together national authorities, media representatives and other stakeholders involved in the protection of journalists. They address this issue through one or more of three axes to improve the safety of journalists – prevention, protection or prosecution.

The Repository shows examples of good practices being implemented around the world, serving first and foremost as a reference point for stakeholders and the general public, as well as a resource for others seeking to develop new mechanisms. It also demonstrates the strength of UNESCO’s multi-stakeholder approach in the coordination of the UN Plan of Action. 

Here are some examples of new initiatives that have been recorded in the repository:

In Serbia, the Permanent Working Group for the Safety of Journalists was established in 2017. This unique platform strengthens the dialogue between the media community, journalists’ associations, and government and law enforcement authorities, allowing them to discuss policy assessments and recommendations on the safety of journalists. It also provides training and a quick response system in case of emergencies.

In the Philippines, the Alisto! Alert Mechanism has been active since March 2024. This mechanism is designed for journalists and media workers to directly report threats or attacks against them. It is accessible 24/7 through the Viber application where messages are received by the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines. An assessment is then made and assistance is provided depending on the emergency.

In Mexico, the Specialized Deputy Prosecutor’s Office for Human Rights, Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists has recently been established in September 2025. This new office is an example of the importance of after-the-fact support to journalists who have been attacked. It aims to strengthen the investigative capacities of the State of Sinaloa concerning attacks against journalists and human rights defenders.

As the Global Repository enters its second year, it continues gathering information on new and innovative ways countries prevent, protect and prosecute attacks against journalists, and it is constantly being updated to be a useful resource for all stakeholders seeking to strengthen the protection of journalists.